From Control to Strategy:
Exploring the Evolution of PMOs
An exclusive interview with co-authors of
The Evolution of the PMO: The Rise of the Chief Project Officer
Part 1
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DY5VY4KV)
by Aina Aliieva (Alive)
International Correspondent, PM World Journal
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
General Introduction
A year ago, we set out to redefine project management leadership through a collaborative writing challenge. Today we’re thrilled to announce the release of “The Evolution of the PMO: The Rise of the Chief Project Officer,” now an Amazon bestseller. This groundbreaking work brings together insights from 40 global authors, each offering unique perspectives on modern project management complexities.
In this article, we feature a panel discussion with five distinguished contributors, sharing their experiences and insights from this collaborative journey on a topic: Foundations of the PMO. Understanding the Origins and Core Concepts of Project Management Office.
To enhance your engagement, we’ve included QR codes linking to exclusive YouTube content, providing deeper dives into key topics and behind-the-scenes discussions. These multimedia elements offer an interactive experience, connecting you directly with the thought leaders shaping the future of PMO.
This article captures the essence of our year-long collaboration and invites you to engage with the dynamic conversations driving innovation in project management.
Interviews
Introduction
For decades, organizations have wrestled with the role of the Project Management Office (PMO). Once perceived as bureaucratic, rigid structures enforcing control, PMOs have evolved into strategic enablers that drive business transformation. But where did PMOs originate, and how have they transformed over time? To answer these questions, I sat down with a panel of esteemed co-authors from The Evolution of PMO: The Rise of a Chief Project Officer, a book that examines the journey of PMOs and their future trajectory.
Joining me in this discussion are Louise Worsley, Sophia Walker, Luca Del Carlo, Mayte Sivera and Francisco-Javier Rodríguez Blanco—seasoned project management professionals with diverse global experiences in PMO leadership.
Aina Alive (Aina): PMOs have existed in different forms for over a century, yet their role remains a topic of debate. Louise, in your research, you trace the origins of PMOs back to the early 19th century. Can you share how they first emerged and how their role evolved over time?
Louise Worsley: Absolutely. The earliest known form of a PMO can be traced back to 1806 in the UK, where the government established a project office to manage national tax schemes. This office served as an impartial entity that coordinated large-scale initiatives across multiple government departments.
However, the real growth of PMOs came in the early 20th century when governments needed to manage war-time logistics. These offices controlled finances, resources, and project execution on a large scale. But an interesting shift happened after corruption scandals—particularly in the U.S. with the Tammany Hall scandal—where mismanagement of public funds triggered a demand for greater transparency. As a result, project offices evolved into governance structures that ensured financial integrity.
Fast-forward to the mid-20th century, we see PMOs being used extensively in construction, engineering, and large-scale technology projects. But it wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that we saw the transition from purely control-based offices to project support offices (PSOs), which focused on improving project delivery rather than just overseeing compliance.
Aina: Sophia, your work focuses on why organizations need PMOs. Given this historical perspective, how would you say modern PMOs justify their existence today?
More…
To read entire interview, click here
How to cite this interview: Aliiva, A. (2025). From Control to Strategy: Exploring the Evolution of PMOs; An exclusive interview with co-authors of The Evolution of the PMO: The Rise of the Chief Project Officer – Part 1; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue IV, April. Available online at: http://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pmwj151-Apr2025-Aliiva-From-Control-to-Strategy-Part-1-Interviews.pdf
About the Interviewer
Aina Aliiva
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Aina Aliive (Alive) is an experienced Agile Coach and a Business Consultant with 20 years of experience in different industries, from hospitality and tourism to banking and engineering, a Founder & CEO at Bee Agile and a CEO & VP of Marketing at The PMO Strategy and Execution Hub.
She is a keynote speaker on Agile, Project Management, Negotiation, People Management, and Soft Skills topics. She was a guest instructor at NASA in 2022 & 2023 with topics on Conflict Resolution & Negotiation and Facilitation Techniques.
Her book, “It Starts with YOU. 40 Letters to My Younger Self on How to Get Going in Your Career,” hit the #1 position in the #jobhunting category on Amazon and is featured in a Forbes Councils Executive Library.
She also contributed to the books “Mastering Solution Delivery: Practical Insights and Lessons from Thought Leaders in a Post-Pandemic Era”, “Green PMO: Sustainability through Project Management Lens” and “Agile Coaching and Transformation: The Journey to Enterprise Agility”.
Aina was also a Finalist in the Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year category in 2021 by the Canadian SME National Business Award
She can be contacted at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aina-aliieva/
